What constitutes a violation of the Funeral Rule?

A key aspect of the Funeral Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is its requirement that funeral service providers offer a written price list to consumers. This rule is designed to ensure transparency and allow consumers to make informed choices regarding funeral services and their associated costs. By failing to provide a written price list, a funeral home violates this fundamental principle of the Funeral Rule.

This requirement aids families in understanding the costs involved in funeral services, promoting fair competition among providers and enabling consumers to compare prices easily. It also prevents deceptive practices, ensuring that consumers are aware of their rights and the prices they are expected to pay.

In contrast, while providing additional services without consent can lead to ethical concerns, it may not necessarily constitute a direct violation of the Funeral Rule itself. Advertising without a license primarily pertains to licensing regulations outside the jurisdiction of the Funeral Rule, and charging more for direct cremation may not inherently be a violation unless it contradicts established pricing norms or consumer protections outlined within the Rule. Therefore, the failure to provide a written price list is the most direct violation related to the requirements imposed by the Funeral Rule.